An important first step in planning new trails is determining the best route. What cultural, natural and community assets can be linked together? What areas are best to avoid?

Thanks to our sponsors Quantum Spatial and Georgia Transmission Corporation, we have access to powerful mapping tools and the latest in geospatial technology. When MillionMile Greenway president Jim Langford learned that these two industry-leading companies had software to determine the best places to put power lines, he also learned their technology was designed to avoid public assets like schools, historic sites, parks, wetlands, other natural areas, museums and churches. “Wait a minute,” Jim said. “Let’s flip that around because that’s exactly where we want new trails to go!”

By using that technology in an unexpected way, GIS experts with MillionMile Greenway have helped many groups identify community amenities and determine the most efficient path to connect them together, establishing a trail system people will really use. When communities connect the places people want to go, they’ll park their cars and travel on foot, on bikes, skates, in strollers and wheelchairs – reducing traffic, air pollution and providing countless health and lifestyle benefits.